1983,the kirkpatrick incident

In 1983, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala were all embroiled in civil war or revolution, most spurred by military dictatorships long established in those countries. Military repression, class distinction, and labor exploitation were rampant. However, all military dictatorships in Central and Latin America were supported by the American government to secure foreign investment, stabilize their economies, establish free markets, and defend trade agreements. When these were threatened during these times of revolution and civil war, where peasants, laborers, and the indigenous organized in guerrilla factions against the military, it was framed as a war against Communism.

At this time, Jeane Kirkpatrick, ambassador for the U.S. in the United Nations, was invited to give the commencement address on behalf of the trustees and a senior poll that was taken a year before. She wrote a doctrine explicitly justifying military dictatorships and was the first female ambassador for the United States.

After student and faculty protests, Jeane Kirkpatrick withdrew her acceptance to speak and did not accept the honorary degree.